Lions
Club donates $1000 toward a DXA machineThe Cottonwood Lions Club recently made a $1,000 contribution to St.
Mary’s Hospital and Clinics towards the purchase of
a DXA machine. According to the letter submitted by the hospital
to the club, the DXA machine is being requested by our physicians to provide
better care to our patients. It is used to check for osteoporosis
and other diseases which can affect the thickness of the bones. Bone
density is of special concern for elderly patients. Many older women,
especially, suffer from thinning bones and are then at risk for hip and
other fractures.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, about half of women
and a quarter of men over the age of 50 will have osteoporosis-related
fractures in their lifetimes. One in five people who get hip fractures
require long term care afterwards.
“The Lions Club members feel it is important to financially support
our hospital and keep up with the necessary equipment so our doctors will
stay here and continue to practice,” said Carl Schmidt, Treasurer.
Schmidt has also served as the Cottonwood Lions Club President for two
terms and as zone chair for five terms. He was involved in banking for
37 years in both Cottonwood and Nezperce. “Our club put in the hospital’s
helipad and continues to keep the white cross painted for ease of landing.
Just last week I saw it was used two nights in a row.”
Once it is purchased the scanner will be installed in the area currently
occupied by the Cardiac Rehab program which will be moving to the room
across from the chapel.
“It will be great to have a DXA scan machine locally because it will
help in identifying pathology early to help prevent fractures,” said Don
Murphy, SMHC Physical Therapist and Lions Club member. “Earlier diagnosis
can lead to better treatment and a healthier life for our patients. Plus,
they’ll avoid a commute because they won’t have to leave the prairie for
this valuable screen. We certainly appreciate the generosity of the Lions
Club.”
The club has also provided monies for the ambulance fund and gave a
generous donation towards furnishing the current Cottonwood Medical Clinic
building.